In the minds of some older individuals, Japan has always been considered a powerhouse in digital technology. Back in the 1990s, devices like Walkmans, cameras, camcorders, and gaming consoles were all regarded as high-end gadgets with hefty price tags. However, as we step into a new era, domestic digital product capabilities have surged ahead, especially in the smartphone industry. China has emerged as a globally recognized leader, while Japan has declined.
The domestic mobile phone market in Japan is now predominantly dominated by Apple’s iPhone, and the most popular smartphones in the gray market are mostly from Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, and vivo. The only brands that still hold some ground are Sony and Sharp.
As we approach the end of the 5G smartphone era and prepare to enter the era of 6G smartphones, Japan still hopes to keep up and perhaps reclaim its mainstream status. Recently, several telecommunications companies in Japan announced a joint development of the world’s first 6G phone, which is expected to be a 6G high-speed wireless device. Its transmission speed reaches an astonishing 100Gbps per second, ten times faster than the peak speed of 5G.
Moreover, it’s over 500 times faster than the current download speed of ordinary 5G smartphones, which is quite remarkable. This device is reportedly a product of joint research and development by Japanese telecommunications and equipment giants such as DOCOMO, NTT, NEC, and Fujitsu, with internal secret development starting as early as 2021.
They collaborated, each company responsible for different research and development aspects, ultimately leading to success. However, this 6G phone is still in a very primitive state. Firstly, its transmission distance is very limited, effective only within a range of 100 meters. Additionally, the size, thickness, and cost of the device are still quite prohibitive, far from being miniaturized and usable without distance restrictions.
Furthermore, since the 6G technology standards have not yet been established, it remains a mystery as to which standards this Japanese 6G phone will support. However, it is certain that with Japan’s capabilities, it’s impossible for them to independently set a standard. Both South Korea and the United States are also working tirelessly to develop 6G products.
Everyone aims to seize the initiative in the new generation of 6G networks. As for China, it is far ahead. Recently, the 5.5G network has been officially commercialized, and many models have already received internal support for the 5.5G network. The 5.5G network is the necessary intermediate stage from 5G to 6G. Experts have provided a detailed timetable for the birth and commercialization of 6G phones: completion of standardization in 2029 and the beginning of 6G phone sales in 2030!